Mozilla heading for the top?
2008-06-18 15:17
Darren Steward, News24 User
Its finally here, Firefox 3 that is. After months of beta testing and hype Mozilla eventually released their new and improved internet browser, but their promise to deliver a new and improved internet browser is not being done quietly.
Mozilla Firefox have set up a Guinness World record attempt for the most downloads in a 24 hour period; they however do admit that an attempt of this nature has not been done before so technically they are just setting the bar. The 24 hour download marathon ends at 19:00.
The improvements made to Firefox 3 is claimed to number over 15,000, which is an impressive number, and a show a promising move towards greater security and speed in internet browsing.
Mozilla asked Firefox fans to pledge their allegiance by signing up for reminders when the final release is sent out. With approximately 1.6 million people already pledged to the download it'll be interesting to see the total download specifications.
What will Bill do?
While Mozilla Firefox goes for the gold, we can all sit and wonder to what Microsoft's reaction will be; they are already in their beta testing phase of their Internet Explorer 8, with IE7 already released. Progress in building user support for IE7 has not appeared to go well for Microsoft as some sources report that the user percentage of IE6 and IE7 revolve around the 35 percent mark.
So either there is a preference for the older IE6 or IE user apathy is preventing them making them the step to the upgraded version. Other internet browsers are making similar gains in progress to Firefox with Opera and Safari releasing newer versions of their product. They have not however come close to Firefox's 14 to 17 percent share of the market.
Mozilla Firefox reports that they have had continuing growth in the amount of Firefox adopters with every new major release; which will undoubtedly not change with the release of Firefox 3. What companies like Microsoft should be worried about is not how many new users prefer to adopt Mozilla Firefox but rather why their user base is shrinking.
Mozilla Firefox's continual growth in Microsoft's territory is eventually going to shake the ground underneath them. The release of IE8 is going to be very interesting and could turn Microsoft's wishes of continued dominion into a reality or be their next failing attempt to stem the slow creep of Mozilla Firefox.
Until that time comes, Mozilla Firefox will just sit back and enjoy their growing user base and reap the benefits, not that they'll be fazed when IE8 is released in my opinion.
For more information on the Guinness World record attempt by Mozilla Firefox 3, the updates made, and to download the new version visit: www.spreadfirefox.com
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